Pattakos was assigned the Ministry of the Interior.[17] As head of that post, Pattakos made the decision to strip Greek actress and political activist, Melina Mercouri, of her Greek citizenship and to also confiscate her property.[18] Mercouri retorted "I was born a Greek and I will die a Greek. Mr. Pattakos was born a fascist and he will die a fascist".[19][20][21][22][23]

Pattakos was released from jail in 1990 by the government of Konstantinos Mitsotakis due to alleged health reasons.[10] He later stated that he did not regret any of his actions during the dictatorship.[29]